Ephesians- Chapter 2- Lesson 3- Verses 8-10- Saved By Grace

Verse 8
I) Wherein He hath abounded toward us
A) This verse is preceded by the semicolon at the end of verse 7. The semicolon replacing the conjunction “and”.
1) Paul has introduced in verse 7, that which demonstrated the “glory” of God’s grace.  Not just grace but the glory, greatness, magnificence of it.
2) Redemption, the forgiveness of sins is one aspect of grace, the other is found in this verse.
B) Abounded- to super abound (remember the super ball? It bounced higher, went farther, far surpassed all others) this is the idea behind this word.  Oh the volumes it speaks of God’s grace.
II) In what did it super abound? Wisdom and prudence.
A) Wisdom- the right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them.  This is wisdom in act, effect or practice.  If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement; it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness.  Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion.  It differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good.  Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus.
B) God knows not only how to help us avoid evil but also how to help us accomplish the good.  This applies to moral (sin) and physical (judgment) calamities.
Verse 9
I) Having made known to us the mystery of His will
A) Again note the semicolon at the end of verse 8.  Part of the blessing and richness of God’s grace lies in the making know to us the mystery of His will.
1) Colossians 1:24-29 talks about this mystery: which is the church, this gathering together (verse 11 of our text) all in one (Jew and Gentile) which will be talked about in chapter 2 of Ephesians.
2) Mystery- a truth hidden. B29 bombers flying bombing raids on Japan in WW2 were buffeted by some unknown atmospheric disturbance that made them wonder if there was some strange force guarding the island.  Other aircraft had not experienced this turbulence because they had never flown that high.  The strange force was what we now know as the jet stream.  The jet stream had been there the whole time but only came to light when men reached a place in history were they could fly into it.
3) The church had been in the mind of God from before the foundation of the world but was only revealed to man when the proper time determined by God came.
4) The richness of this mystery is revealed in the words “Christ in you”, Colossians 1:27.  The “beloved” of verse 6 is in us and we in Him and He according to Hebrews 1:3, 13 has been seated by His Father at his own right hand, ever the object of His Father’s love.
II) According to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself
A) His good pleasure- this revelation has been His desire through the ages.
1)  In the past man has seen glimpses of it in the types and shadows of the Old Testament tabernacle with its ceremonies Hebrews 10:1
2) In these last days God has revealed them openly in His Son. Hebrews 1:2
B) Hath purposed- Refer back to verse 8.  God knew the exact time and way in which to reveal this great mystery.
1) Man had been thoroughly tested and proved and utter failure during the preceding ages.
a) He had been tested individually before the flood.
b) Corporately as a nation under Israel
c) Without law
d) Under law
Jews and Gentiles alike had come short. Romans 3:23.
All who read from now until the great plan of God is brought to its glorious end shall read in these verses the same condemnation, “sinned and come short”.
2) He hath purposed- God proposed or determined it.
a) God determined it was best to try man through two representative –Adam and Christ. 1 Corinthians 15: 45-47.
b) He could have chosen to test them as angels but since man is a creature of time his testing would not be complete until he entered the eternal state. There could be not security in this since as long as time and the potential to sin (temptation) existed the possibility of failure was there.
c) In wisdom and prudence God determined this way would be to man’s benefit since it secured to him eternal hope in this life.
d) While pride says I would have chosen different than Adam if I had been there, the wise creator knows best and we by faith will yield and reap the benefits of His grace or rebel and reap the judgment of our rebellion.
Verse 10
I) That in the dispensation of the fullness of times= the administration of a household.
A) In different ages God chose to reveal himself in different manners.
1) Before the flood God seems to have revealed himself to men on a more individual bases.  Trace the Godly line from Seth to Noah.
2) After the flood He revealed Himself through Abraham and His family down to Joseph.
3) After the Exodus God gave to the nation of Israel a law whose ceremonies were designed to reveal God in picture form: types and shadows.
4) Then came the kingdom age and the age of the prophets.
5) Then these last days according to Hebrews 1:1-2, God has spoken through His Son.
6) It is important to understand that there are different dispensations and not try to apply things meant for one dispensation to another. While there are truths to be learned in each, the practices required in one does not translate into a requirement for the next.
7)  Ex. The sacrifices required under the dispensation of the law, being fulfilled in Christ are no longer applicable today.
B) Of the fullness of times= the wrapping up of time.
1) Hebrews 1:2, these last days.
II) He might gather together in one all things in Christ
A) The purpose of this divine plan- to gather together in one (Christ) all that will be redeemed.

 

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